Capital Nevada Toastmasters

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Don’t worry, you’ve still got four months for your holiday shopping, but Santa needs to hire a few helpers. The annual Polar Express on the V & T is getting ready to steam up and they are auditioning for elves etc. to lend a hand. The Nevada Arts Council has a new exhibit featuring Basque artwork; attend this evening’s artist reception to learn more about these unusual carvings. The ESL at Home program works quietly behind the scenes to bring better English language skills to non-native speakers.

I hope everyone had a great first day of school. It always takes a moment to get back into the swing of things, so you’ll still want to leave yourself a little cushion when it comes to your morning drive time. If you’ve got little ones at home, consider a trip to the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada; there are many fun, interactive exhibits, in addition to today’s Storytime Adventure activity. For those nostalgic for their own early childhood, the Carson City Library offers a monthly Coloring Night for the young-at-heart.

TUESDAY, August 21: Things to do in Carson City

It’s a happening day around Carson City. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival makes an appearance downtown with Under the Radar in the Comma Coffee Courtyard, followed by the Mile High Jazz Band in McFadden Square. Head up the short hill to Silver City for a special hands-on Engineering activity for kids. Join local author Cindy Sutherland for this month’s edition of the Brown Bag Lunch Series at the Nevada State Library and Archives. Freshman, and their parents, are welcomed to Carson High School this morning for orientation, an overview of policies, and a tour.

Batten down the hatches, the smoky days continue. My thoughts and appreciation are with those fighting the multiple fires in Nevada and California. Learn more about our emergency responders at tonight’s annual ‘Partnership in Action’ National Night Out at Mills Park. Free hot dogs, chips, and soda, multiple exhibits and activities, and so much more make this an exciting event for kids of all ages. Muscle Powered has cancelled its evening hike, but the early birds can meet up at the Multi-Purpose Athletic Center for a stroll indoors.

TUESDAY, August 7: Things to do in Carson City

Happy Tuesday, Carson City. Another hot, smoky day is on tap, so you’ll want to find indoor activities and nothing too strenuous. The Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada offers a story book and craft activity on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; a family membership makes this a great place for summer fun. The Fox Brewpub welcomes all ages to participate in their weekly DJ Trivia tournament; get their early for a good seat and some pub-style eats.

TUESDAY, July 31: Things to do in Carson City

Happy Tuesday, Carson City. You’re looking at a morning filled with sunshine, but come afternoon, anything goes. The Muscle Powered Hikes are always contingent on the weather, so the later trek may be moved to the MAC if the rain shows. Whatever the day brings, you can always grab your boots and head to Carson Lanes for Country/Pop Line Dancing; they’ll even teach you some new moves. If you drive by Fuji Park today, you’ll see quite a bit of activity. The Carson City Fair begins tomorrow, and they are working hard to get everything just right.

It’s going to be a hot one today. With temperatures flirting with three digits, you’ll want to stay hydrated and limit your exertion. Keep the kitchen cool by letting IHOP take care of breakfast; a short stack is only 60 cents today in celebration of their anniversary. Muscle Powered leads a hike this afternoon to the beautiful shores of Lake Tahoe’s Skunk Harbor. Ladies are invited each week to join the Ash Canyon Women’s Mountain Bike Ride, just make sure you bring your helmet.

TUESDAY, July 17: Things to do in Carson City

Tuesdays are happening in Carson City. Tonight, the Mile High Jazz Band takes to the stage at Living the Good Life for their monthly performance. Take advantage of the new program at the Nevada State Library and Archives: once a month, you’re welcome to bring a lunch and listen to a presentation. Celebrate the newest exhibit in the OXS Gallery inside the Nevada Arts Council.

Tomorrow is the big day, but today offers a sneak preview if you’re willing to drive a little. Every year the town of Kings Beach, on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, gets a head start on the festivities with a July Third Beach Bash and Fireworks Show. The Dayton Senior Center celebrates the holiday today with a BBQ, Cake Walk, BBQ and activities for all ages. The Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada gets in the patriotic swing during this week’s Storytime Adventure program: the Fourth of July is today’s theme.

TUESDAY, July 3: Things to do in Carson City

It’s been toasty outside, which is one of the reasons Muscle Powered moves the start time for their morning walk during the summer months. A stroll along the Carson River at Riverview Park is a perfect way to start the day. If your little one is still a little uneasy on a bicycle, the Bike Safety Rodeo in Silver City will help get them on the right path. Tuesdays belong to Canyon White at Living the Good Life. The singer/songwriter takes to the stage for a jam session and open mic night.

TUESDAY, June 26: Things to do in Carson City

It’s Navy Week in Carson City, and that means you’ll have a handful of opportunities to catch performances by various US Navy bands over the next few days. Enjoy their woodwind quintet this afternoon in the Dema Guinn Concourse of the Nevada State Museum. This evening find the US Navy Brass Band in McFadden Plaza performing alongside the talented kids who participated in the Mile High Jazz Camp.

If you didn’t take advantage of early voting, then today is the day to cast that Primary ballot. The local library can be your best friend during summer vacation; Carson City celebrated the kick-off to their summer program on Sunday, while the library in Minden will host a party this evening to get the summer events started. The State Library and Archives have started a new lunchtime program. Join them for Archives Appetizer, a monthly speaker program that will cover different topics of Nevada History. Muscle Powered features two guided hikes on Tuesdays.

From art and exercise classes, nature walks to gallery showings, fundraisers and afternoon happy hours that extend from one end of Carson Street to the other, Carson City showers itself this Tuesday with an action-packed all-ages calendar of arts, fitness and entertainment. Here's what's happening around town on this June 5, 2018:

Today is definitely an out-doorsy kind of day: two Muscle Powered hikes, the Ladies Ash Canyon Bike Ride, and the annual Bike Month Full Moon Night Mountain Bike Ride. Early voting for the 2018 Primary has begun, and all registered Carson City voters can head down to the Clerks office in the Courthouse to cast their ballot. If you’re in Minden, or up for a short drive, check out the Farmers Market on Esmerelda Street. It runs from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., so you’ll have plenty of time to grab something fresh to throw in with dinner.

Western Nevada College may be finished with its semester, but they don’t just shutter the doors and pack it in. Go check out the Bristlecone Art Gallery where you’ll find a plethora of True-Grit inspired artwork: it’s pretty spectacular what these artists have done with a simple deck of playing cards. It may be a little too wet for this evening’s Muscle Powered hike, but you’ll find other opportunities to burn off a little steam. Try Carson Lanes Country/Pop Dance Night, or try your hand at all-ages trivia at the Fox Brewpub or Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint.

Carson City is in the midst of the NEA’s Big Read, with True Grit by Charles Portis at the designated book. Julie Buntin’s tome, ‘Marlena: A Novel,’ is the chosen Nevada Reads book, and Nevada Humanities has brought the author here for a discussion and reading. Find Ms. Buntin at the Nevada State Library and Archives at lunchtime or hear her thoughts at the Minden Library this evening. Keep an eye to the skies if you’re interested in today’s Muscle Powered hikes; they will walk on the indoor track at the Multi-purpose Athletic Center if it’s rainy.

It’s Bike Month in Carson City, and the ladies’ Tuesday bike ride up Ash Canyon has returned for the season. You’ll need a helmet and a trail-ready bike if you’d like to join in. A hike up Goni Road with Muscle Powered will be worth the views and a good work-out. Mile High Jazz Band has teamed up with vocalist Jakki Ford for this month’s performance; you’ll find them tonight at Living the Good Life. Learn more about how the internet affects our lives during the free presentation by Sierra Nevada Forums.

TUESDAY, May 8: Things to do in Carson City

I’m ready for spring. My allergies don’t seem to be as enthusiastic, but I love watching our valley awaken from its gray winter slumber. Muscle Powered’s guided hikes are a great way to explore our town and learn about the many trails hidden in the hills. The Carson City Classic Cinema Club gets an extra-special visitor at tonight’s film viewing; STRAZZ, the Carson City Symphony’s Youth String Orchestra will be performing before ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ lights up the screen. Sandie LaNae and Arlene La Ferry are the featured authors at Browsers Corner Book Store this evening.

The Senior Center recently hosted ‘Carson’s Got Talent,’ so they know the caliber of performers hidden in our midst. Auditions for their annual show, Senior Follies, continue this evening and are open to all ages. CCAI’s art exhibit in the Community Development Building on E. Proctor features work from several high school artists. Join them in celebrating this young talent at a reception tonight. The day should be gorgeous; a hike with Muscle Powered is the perfect way to embrace the spring.

Well, we won’t see any wet stuff today, but the clear skies could mean a nip to the air. You can join Muscle Powered for one of today’s two walks, but I won’t blame you if you’d prefer an indoor activity. Join the Carson Library for coloring night; they have plenty of pictures to choose from. Bobbie Ann Howell is at the center of today’s Artist Reception at the Nevada Arts Council. You’ll hear her discuss her exhibit ‘Vistas and Viewpoints.’ Head down to Pizza Factory to lend a hand to Mark Twain Elementary School: just make sure to mention you are there for the fundraiser.

Congratulations go out to the Mile High Jazz Band; they’ll be celebrating 17 years of monthly performances during tonight’s gig at Living the Good Life. If you’d like to learn more about drones, those little flying robots, then tonight’s installment of the Sierra Nevada Forum is for you. They’ll be covering the versatility of drones, and fully expect you to be surprised. Chili’s Restaurant welcomes Mother-son duos for a night of quality time. Super-hero costumes are encouraged, and bring a camera, Darth Vader will be there for pictures.

TUESDAY, April 10: Things to do in Carson City

A very happy Tuesday to you. The Classic Cinema Club is changing it up a little tonight. Their showing of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ is going to begin an hour earlier than usual, due to its length. Don’t worry, though, the trivia portion will take place during intermission, instead of before the film. The Carson Valley Trails Association is hosting their annual meeting and social in the Douglas County Community Center. If you’re curious about exploring the hills south of Carson, this is the perfect place to learn more.

As the days get longer and warmer, it’s worth it to check out the many trails and paths throughout the valley. Muscle Powered, our local hiking, biking, and trail-building group, leads guided hikes and walks a few times every week, including two on Tuesdays. Don’t let spring break be an excuse not to use your noggin. Geeks Who Drink Pub Quiz at Sassafras and DJ Trivia at Fox Brewpub are both open to all ages and free to play. You’ve only got a few days to see the Winter Art Show in the Nevada Artist Association Gallery; their new show, ‘Spring has Sprung,’ will open Sunday.

It’s hard to believe that this is the first day of spring: we had nicer weather in January. Expect the next few days to bring a mix of wet stuff, and probably some gusty winds our way.

I hope you got your fill of sunshine yesterday because we have got some cloudy days on the horizon. Luckily, there are enough things going on to keep you distracted, and inside away from the rain. Jazz and Poetry, courtesy of the Mile High Jazz Band, takes place tonight at Comma Coffee, with the lovely June Joplin on vocals. Trade a pint for a pint.

Happy Tuesday, Carson City. Every week, Muscle Powered explores three different trails during their guided hikes. Today, join them as they walk sections of the multi-use path along the freeway. You’ll always find trivia at Fox Brewpub and at Sassafras on Tuesdays, but now you can also participate in Family Game Night at Battle Born Social or Celebrity Bingo at Westside Pour House. Singer-songwriter Canyon White leads the jam at Living the Good Life; sample something from their menu, or try their Tuesday taco and beer special, and sit back and enjoy the show.

If you know where to look, every day is National something-or-other day. Today gets pancakes, and the International House of Pancakes is celebrating accordingly with a free short stack. It is a fundraiser for the Children’s Medical Network, so leave something for the organization in addition to the tip. CASA, Court-appointed Special Advocates, is always looking for more volunteers to stand up for children. Join them for coffee and find out more about this great organization.

I know we were expecting yesterday to be cold, but that was downright bitter. More of the same can be expected, with a possibility of snow tomorrow. Luckily, you’ll find plenty of things to enjoy indoors. If you have a talent to show off, don’t miss the last live audition for the upcoming ‘Carson’s Got Talent.’ If you can’t make it, submit your audition online HERE.

This Fat Tuesday is full of things to do. Head to the Fox Brewpub for their ‘Taco ‘bout it’ Fundraiser for Advocates to End Domestic Violence: a portion of taco sales today will benefit the organization. Learn about Nevada silver screen icons like Marilyn Monroe, aliens, and the King of Rock and Roll during a CCAI Nevada Neighbors presentation by long-time film reviewer, Robin Holabird. Sierra Nevada Forums brings experts from various backgrounds to shed light on difficult and complex topics facing our society.

A very happy Tuesday to you, Carson City. You’ll find some great family friendly options today including Storytime Adventures at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada or Family Game Night at Battle Born Social, that also includes a free meal for kids. Father-daughter night at Chili’s restaurant promotes communication and quality time, and will get you a free dessert, as well. Our local Classic Cinema Club features a ‘new’ old flick every month; don’t miss their showing of Casablanca tonight, it’s one of Humphrey Bogart’s best performances.